David Waganer

Transitional Pastor

I am called to serve as a Transitional Pastor. It is truly an honor to serve as Transitional Pastor of the New Heights Church Family. From 1990 to the present, I have provided leadership for 18 churches’ transitional periods as the Interim or Transitional Pastor prior to serving here.

I have most recently been a State Transitional Trainer for events in South Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana Maryland and Michigan. I also served on the Baptist State Convention staffs in South Carolina, Oklahoma and Missouri. One of my greatest joys occurs by allowing the Lord to use my skill set to lead congregations through transitions to stronger futures. From 1973 to 1990, I provided leadership as the Senior Pastor for a number of churches.

I currently serve as Executive Coordinator for the national Stewardship Development Association. My wife of nearly 43 years, Karen, supports me as she shares my call into full-time ministry by providing prayer support and by finding channels of ministry that utilize her strengths. We have two grown children who actively serve the Lord through their local churches. Karen and I have five grandchildren.

I received the Doctorate of Ministry degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary but also hold two degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and completed my undergraduate work from Oklahoma Baptist University.

Aaron Tripp

Family Pastor

Aaron Tripp and his beautiful wife Kathryn, were both born in Columbia, SC. Aaron attended the College of Charleston and majored in Biology with a desire to go into the medical field. After a mission trip to La Plata, Argentina, God revealed to Aaron that He had a very different plan for his life. Aaron and Kathryn met in their senior year of college and dated as Aaron spent a year on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. They were married in July of 2011 and immediately moved to Wake Forest, NC for Aaron to attend Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Their son Connor was born in February of 2014 and Aaron graduated with his MDiv in May. Their daughter Emma was born in January of 2016.

After graduation, God called Aaron to come to New Heights as Family Minister after serving as Senior Pastor at a church in Epsom, NC. God has given Aaron a passion for discipleship and teaching Martial Arts as a tool to reach people with the Gospel. As family minister, Aaron oversees Youth and Children's Ministry here at New Heights and would love to answer any questions you may have about either area.

Aaron enjoys music and teaching others how to study the Bible and share their faith. Feel free to stop by his office and tell him how much you love the Gamecocks.

Waletha Rish

Secretary

Waletha Rish started as part-time secretary at Colonial Heights in 1997. She moved with us during the relocation to New Heights in 1999 and became full-time in January, 2000. If you really want to know what's going on or need information about New Heights, call 772-6000, Monday through Thursday, from 9 AM - 4 PM to talk to her.